Foldable drill implement

ABSTRACT

A foldable drill implement has a supply hopper mounted on a center frame section and a rearwardly mounted broadcast hopper extending onto wing frame sections. Various augers connect the supply hopper to the broadcast hopper and maintain a level of fill in the broadcast hopper. Recycling augers return accumulated excess material from outer ends of the broadcast hopper for redistribution to planter drills. Folding of the wing section relative to the center frame section utilizes swing plates and spacer plates to dampen oscillation of the wing sections. Controls regulate flow of material by sensing accumulated excess material and deactuating the augers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to seed planting and fertilizer spreadingimplements in general and particularly to such implements having augersfor distributing seed and fertilizer.

It is desirable to route seed grain from a central hopper andcontinuously supply secondary hoppers spaced from the central hopper fortransferring the seed grain to individual planters. Typically, plantersystems in general have utilized auger arrangements with a plurality ofsmall hoppers or boxes are located adjacent planter drills. Thisarrangement generally requires extensive stopping and startingoperations for a farmer/operator to refill the small hoppers from acentral storage facility or transport truck. Moreover, some operatorsuse a heavy, complex arrangement of augers which tends to increase thecost and is subject to a high degree of maintenance.

In an effort to eliminate the above problem, certain devices haveutilized the so-called air distribution system, which has a centralhopper with a network of air hoses acting as fluid conveyors totransport material from the central hopper to the drills. An air systemrequires an inordinate amount of power, due in part to the dozens ofindividual hoses through which seed is distributed. The air hoses arecumbersome, tend to snarl and tangle, and are susceptible to clogging.Furthermore, the air distribution system utilizes plastic hoses thattend to split and require maintenance. Clogging is a problem because ofthe narrow inner diameter of the hoses, particularly at bends, thusnecessitating a high amount of maintenance by the farmer or operator.Furthermore, typical air systems regulate the flow of material bycontrolling discharge from a large central hopper, instead of near theremote planter drills, which is more accurate.

It is aslo desirable to achieve a constant planting depth for the seeds.The planting depth is dependent on the depth to which a furrow is dug inthe soil. If the seeds are planted at the proper depth, it is morelikely that they will receive the proper amount of moisture andfertilizer, thus improving the chances for a good crop. If seeds areplanted to deep, they will germinate, but will not be able to reach theground surface and will consequently die. If the planting depth is tooshallow, the seed may not get enough moisture to allow termination.

There are various problems associated with maintaining a constantplanting depth. Most fields which are to be planted have an undulatingterrain and the soil is of varying degrees of hardness. These and otherfactors can affect the depth to which a furrow opener extends into thefield, resulting in inconsistent and improper planting depths. Thisproblem is compounded by the use of a number of individual hopperssituated above the furrow openers. As the seed is planted, the weight inthe hopper is lessened, thereby applying unequal pressure to the furrowopeners and associated press wheels.

It is also advantageous to provide a farm implement that has extensionsections that can be folded upwardly for transport and storage. However,some systems that use small individual seed hoppers cannot be foldedunless the hoppers are nearly empty. Thus, unless the operator canaccurately estimate the amount of seed to be used on a particular field,the hoppers may have to be manually emptied prior to transportation toanother field.

If excess seed or fertilizer accumulates in a secondary hopper or drillbox, the seed may be damaged and the fertilizer may clump together.Attempts to provide adequate amounts of seed and fertilizer withoutproviding an excess amount that can be damaged, have not been fruitful.In addition to seed damage, the distribution system can be damaged ifexcess seed accumulates. The mechanical drivers can jam or break as aresult of build-up of seed or fertilizer, which places an excessive loadon the mechanism. Previous efforts to accurately control againstbuild-up of excess material have also not been successful.

Furthermore, it is desirable to have a drill feed system that can beutilized with other farm implements, such as standard cultivators.

The present invention provides a foldable drill implement having asupply hopper mounted on a center frame section. A broadcast hopper isspaced from the supply hopper and mounted on the center frame sectionand extends onto wing frame sections. The supply hopper and thebroadcast hopper are connected by various augers that distributematerials, such as seed and fertilizer, to be planted. The augersmaintain a level of fill in the broadcast hopper, and recycling augersreturn accumulated excess material from outer ends of the broadcasthopper for redistribution to planter drills. The wind sections foldrelative to the center frame section and utilize swing plates and spacerplates to dampen oscillation of the wing sections. Controls regulateflow of material by sensing accumulated excess material and deactuatingthe augers.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The principal objects of the present invention are: to provide animplement for planting seed; to provide such an implement which can alsobe utilized to spread fertilizer; to provide such an implement which canroute seed grain from a supply hopper continuously to a broadcast hopperremoved therefrom for feeding seed planters; to provide such animplement which allows a seed planter to deposit seed at a constantdepth as the implement moves over undulating terrain; to provide such animplement having seed planters with independent suspension; to providesuch an implement which maintains relatively constant weight on the seedplanters; to provide such an implement which has remote wing framesections with wing drill boxes which are foldable for transportation; toprovide such an implement with wing frame sections which are connectedto a center frame section of the implement by a pivot to accommodate theundulating terrain; to provide such an implement which regulates anamount of seed and fertilizer in the broadcast hopper and wing drillboxes; to provide such an implement which has recycling means forredistributing excess seed; to provide such an implement which can beutilized with other farm implements, such as a cultivator; and toprovide such an implement which is relatively easy to manufacture andmaintain in working order, durable in use, and well adapted for itsintended purpose.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent fromthe following description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example,certain embodiments of this invention.

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate variousobjects and features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, top plan view of a foldable drill implementaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the drill implement.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, rear elevational view of the drill implement.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary side elevational view of the presentinvention showing supply and distribution augers and return augers, withportions broken away.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the drill implement takenalong lines 5--5, FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary top plan view of the presentinvention with portions broken away to show interior detail.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, elevational view taken along lines 7--7, FIG. 6with portions broken away.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along lines 8--8, FIG.6.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken alonglines 9--9, FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along lines 10--10,FIG. 4.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged, fragmentary top plan view of the presentinvention showing a pivot connection between a broadcast hopper and awing drill box, with portions broken away.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along lines 12--12,FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention, showing first and second material flow patterns.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to variously employ the present invention in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure.

Referring more in detail to the drawings:

The reference numeral 1, FIG. 1, generally indicates a foldable drillimplement 1 having an implement frame 2 with a tow bar 3 for connectionto a prime mover (not shown) and a plurality of ground-engaging wheels4. A supply hopper 7 and a broadcast hopper 8 are mounted to theimplement frame 2. The broadcast hopper 8 is spaced from the supplyhopper 7 and extends generally transversely to the frame 2 and onto awing frame section 9. A first supply auger 10, supported by the frame 2,connects the supply hopper 7 and the broadcast hopper 8 and providesflow communication therebetween. A first distribution auger 11 issupported by the frame 2 and extends the length of the broadcast hopper8. The first distribution auger 11 is in flow communication with thefirst supply auger 10 for transferring material from the supply hopper 7to the broadcast hopper 8 and maintaining a level of fill in thebroadcast hopper 8. Motive means 12 are provided to drive the augers. Aplurality of planter means 13 are mounted to the frame 2 in flowcommunication with the first distribution auger 11 for planting thematerial. The wing frame section 9 is connected to a center framesection 16 by pivot means 18 for folding.

Recycling means 20 are used to return accumulated excess material fromthe broadcast hopper 8 to the first supply auger 10 for redistributionto the planter means 13.

Control means 22 provide an alternative to recycling means 20. Thecontrol means 22 sense accumulated excess material and are designed tostop, and regulate, flow of material to eliminate the accumulation.

The terms "upwardly", "downwardly", and common derivatives thereof havethe same meaning as shown in the drawings. The term "forward" andderivatives thereof mean in the direction of the bottom of the page withrespect to the view of the implement 1 seen in FIG. 1 (i.e., toward thetow bar 3) and the term "rear" and derivatives thereof have the oppositemeaning.

In the illustrated example, FIG. 1, the implement frame 2 has the centerframe section 16 and a plurality of wing frame sections 26 and 27, whichare oppositely positioned adjacent the center frame section 16. Eachwing frame section 26 and 27 has a ground-engaging wheel 28 connected toand supporting a respective wing frame section 26 and 27.

The tow bar 3 is located at a forward portion of the center framesection 16 and connects to a prime mover, such as a farm tractor or thelike, which is not shown.

The implement frame 2 is supported by relatively large ground-engagingwheels 4 that are connected to the center frame section 16. These wheels4 may be allowed to caster freely, or may be locked in the positionshown in FIG. 1.

The supply hopper 7 is mounted on the center frame section 16. Theweight of the supply hopper 7 is carried by the large wheels 4 andpartly by the prime mover. As illustrated, the supply hopper 7 has afirst compartment 31 for storing a first material, such as a seed grain(not shown). The supply hopper 7 also has a second compartment 32 forstoring a second material, such as fertilizer (not shown). Asillustrated, the supply hopper 7 has a divider 34 that separates thefirst compartment 31 from the second compartment 32. It is envisionedthat the first compartment 31 and second compartment 32 could beseparate supply hoppers. The divider 34 illustrated herein can be movedto vary the relative capacities of the first and second compartments 31and 32.

The first and second compartments 31 and 32 have respective openings 37and 38, which allow the stored material to exit. The supply hopper 7 hasa cover 40, which is removable for access to the interior of the supplyhopper 7, such as when filling the first end second compartments 31 and32.

The broadcast hopper 8 has a central drill box 43 mounted to the centerframe section 16. The central drill box 43 is mounted rearwardly of andspaced from the supply hopper 7. As illustrated, the central drill boxextends generally transversely to the center frame section 16. Thus, thecentral drill box 43 is disposed generally transversely to a path of thedrill implement 1 as it traverses a field. This path defines a firstdirection of movement of the drill implement 1.

The wing frame sections 26 and 27 are connected to the center framesection 16 on opposite sides of the central drill box 43 and extendgenerally longitudinally thereof. The broadcast hopper 8 has respectivewing section drill boxes 46 and 47 mounted on the wing frame sections 26and 27. The wing section drill boxes 46 and 47 are connected to thecentral drill box 43 such that there is flow communication between eachof the wing section drill boxes 46 and 47 and the central drill box 43,as shown in FIG. 6.

The central drill box 43 and the wing section drill boxes 46 and 47 areof substantially similar construction. Accordingly, the central drillbox 43 and wing section drill boxes 46 and 47 will be described insimilar terms. Differences will be pointed out when necessary. Each ofthe central and wing section drill boxes has a bottom 49 defining aplurality of outlets 50 therethrough to allow metering of seed,fertilizer or the like from the broadcast hopper 8 to the planter means13. A removable lid 52 is provided for each drill box. As illustrated,each drill box has a partition 54 extending the length of the drill box.The purpose of the partition 54 is explained below.

The planter means 13 are connected to the central drill box 43 and thewing section drill boxes 46 and 47 and are in flow communicationtherewith for broadcast of the seed, fertilizer or the like. The plantermeans 13 include a boot 57, as is well known in the art, connected tothe central and wing section drill boxes 43, 46 and 47. A plurality ofboots 57 are provided, one for each drill box outlet 50, for flowcommunication therethrough. As stated, planter boots 57 are well knownin the art and a detailed description is not provided. However, it ispointed out that each boot 57 has a metering wheel 58 as seen in FIG. 8.Typically, a metering wheel 58 is used for dispensing seed, fertilizeror the like. The metering wheel 58 has a plurality of recesses 60therein for receiving and transferring the material to be planted.

Each of the metering wheels 58 has a respective drive shaft 62 connectedto drive means (not shown) for rotating the wheels 58. Typically, thedrive means (not shown) are connected to a wheel 4 and the rate of driveshaft rotation is proportional to the rotation of the wheel 4.Consequently, the rate of material dispensing, such as seed andfertilizer dispensing, is related to the rotation of the wheel 4 and,therefore, the ground speed of the implement 1.

As illustrated, the drill box partition 54 divides the drill boxes intoa first bin 66 for receiving a first material, such as seed, and asecond bin 67 for receiving a second material, such as fertilizer, asseen in FIG. 8. Each bin 66 and 67 has a plurality of the drill boxoutlets 50 therethrough with connecting planter boots 57. Each planterboot 57 opens downwardly into a material tube 70 for discharge of thematerial stored in the respective bin 66 and 67.

Each material tube 70 from the first bin 66 corresponds to a materialtube from the second bin 67 and these "pairs" of tubes 70 extend fromtheir respective boots 57 to a respective furrow opener 72. Each furrowopener 72 has a ground-engaging tip 73. The furrow openers 72 are ofstandard design and are connected to the implement frame 2 by biasingmeans, such as springs 74, which serve to continuously urge the furrowopeners 72 into ground engagement during operation. In the illustratedexample, see FIG. 2, the furrow openers 72 are in an elevated positionfor purposes of description.

The individual furrow openers 72 are spaced longitudinally along thecenter frame section 16 associated with the central drill box 43 andalong the respective wing frame section 26 and 27 associated with thewing section drill boxes 46 and 47. The furrow openers 72 are staggeredin forward and rearward positions in an alternating arrangement alongthe length of the drill boxes 43, 46 and 47. Each furrow opener 72 hasan associated press wheel 75 for tamping the planter material into theground.

The first supply auger 10 is carried by the implement frame 2 andextends between the supply hopper 7 and the broadcast hopper 8. Asillustrated, the first supply auger 10 has a first end 78 and a secondend 79. The first supply auger 10 extends through a supply tube 80 andhas conventional coreless auger flighting 81. The first supply auger iscoreless and fabricated from a flexible material so that it may bendduring operation, as seen in FIG. 4. The first end 78 of the firstsupply auger 10 is connected to a support member 84 so as to be free torotate. A short shaft 82 is connected by clamp 83 to the coreless augerflighting 81 to provide rotation of the coreless auger flighting 81. Thesupply tube 80 has a central portion fabricated of a rubber hose 87which allows bending of the first supply auger 10 during transportationof the implement 1.

The supply tube 80 is open at a juncture 85 to the first supply hoppercompartment opening 37, as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, for receiving materialby gravity flow from the first compartment 31. The first supply auger 10is connected to the central drill box 43 near a middle portion 86thereof. The first supply auger second end 79 is supported by the centerframe section 16 and is operably connected to the motive means 12. Thefirst supply auger second end 79 has a similar shaft 82 and clamp 83connected to the coreless auger flighting 81 for providing rotationalmovement thereof.

The coreless auger flighting 81 ends near a pair of connecting tubes 88.These connecting tubes 88 provide flow communication by gravity flowbetween the first supply auger 10 and the first distribution auger 11.Material is transferred from the supply tube 80 through an opening inthe bottom of the supply tube 80. The relative amount of material thatis transferred from the supply tube 80 to a respective connecting tube88 can be regulated by lateral movement of the first supply auger 10.The second end 79 thereof may be positioned to the left or the right ofthe location shown in the drawings.

The first distribution auger 11 is carried in the central drill box 43,situated in the first bin 66, and has right and left hand opposedstandard flighting 89 carried on a core 91 for transporting materialoutwardly from the middle portion 86 of the central drill box 43. Asillustrated in FIG. 9, the first distribution auger 11 extends through adelivery tube 90 which is open to the connecting tubes 88 for receivingmaterial from the first supply auger 10. Motive means 12 are provided todrive the first distribution auger 11 as shown in FIG. 9.

The delivery tube 90 has a series of openings 92 therethrough forpassage of the material into the first bin 66 of the central drill box43. These openings 92 generally correspond to the respective planterboots 57 in the first drill box bin 66. It is noted that the deliverytube 90 is desirable, but not required, for operation of the presentinvention.

The central drill box 43 has outer ends 95 and 96. The firstdistribution auger 11 extends the length of the central drill box 43, tothe outer ends 95 and 96. The wing section drill boxes 46 and 47 are ofsubstantially similar design and each has a respective first wingdistribution auger 98 located within respective first bins 101 of thewing section drill boxes 46 and 47. The first wing distribution augers98 receive material from outer ends of the first distribution auger 11and have a construction similar thereto.

The first wing distribution augers 98 each extend through a respectivewing delivery tube 103 having openings therealong for passage ofmaterial into the first wing section bins 101.

Opposite outer ends of the first distribution auger 11 are connected tothe resepective first wing distribution augers 98 by a universal joint110, which allows the wing section drill boxes 46 and 47 to rotate withrespect to the central drill box 43, while maintaining synchronousrotation of the distribution augers 11 and 98. The delivery tubes 90 and103 are connected by a flexible rubber hose 112 which surrounds theuniversal joint 110 and also allows for folding.

The recycling means 20 include a pick up arrangement 115 and duct means116 for transferring excess material from near the outer ends of thewing section drill boxes 106. Excess material tends to accumulate atthese outer ends 106, and the recycling means 20 return the accumulatedexcess material toward the first supply auger 10 for redistribution.

As illustrated, the recycling means 20 include oppositely positionedwing broadcast recycling augers 118 in flow communication with a centralbroadcast recycling auger 120. The recycling augers 118 and 120 haveleft and right hand flighting 89 and core 91 as appropriate fortransferring material toward the middle portion 86 of the central drillbox 43. The wing broadcast recycling augers are situated in the firstbins 101 of the wing section drill boxes 46 and 47, respectively. Thecentral broadcast recycling auger is situated in the central drill box43, specifically in the first bin 66. Each of the broadcast recyclingaugers 118 and 120 extend through respective return auger tubes 122. Thewing broadcast recycling augers 118 are connected to the centralbroadcast recycling auger by universal joints (not shown), which aresubstantially similar in design to the universl joint 110. Also, therubber hose 112 is used to connect the return tubes 122. The broadcastrecycling augers 118 and 120 are connected to and driven by the motivemeans 12.

The pick up arrangement 115 includes openings 124 at respective outerends of the wing delivery tubes 103. The wing return tubes 122 haverespective openings 125 at outer ends thereof in flow communication withthe wing delivery tube openings 124, providing flow communicationbetween the distribution augers and the return augers (see FIG. 6).

The recycling duct means 116 also include a supply recycling auger 127extending through a return tube 128 and having a coreless augerconstruction similar to the first supply auger 10. The supply recyclingauger has a first end 129 and a second end 130. The first end 129 isconnected to the motive means 12. The supply recycling auger 127receives material by gravity flow from the central broadcast recyclingauger 120 through two similar drop tubes 132 located near the supplyrecycling auger first end 129, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 10.

The supply recycling auger second end 130 is situated generally abovethe first supply auger first end, as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5. Aredistribution drop tube 133 openly connects the supply recycling auger127 and the first supply auger 10 for transfer of material by gravityflow therebetween.

The redistribution drop tube 133 connects the supply auger 10 and thesupply recycling auger 127 at a point forward of the juncture 85 betweenthe first compartment opening 37 and the first supply auger 10.

In the illustrated example, dual second supply augers 140 are providedand connect the second hopper compartment 32 and the second bin 67 ofthe central drill box 43. As seen in FIG. 5, a first end 141 of eachsecond supply auger is in flow communication with the second compartment32 through the second compartment opening 38.

A second end 142 of each second supply auger 140 is supported by thecentral drill box 43 and is connected to the motive means 12. A seconddistribution auger 145 includes dual second distribution augers 147 andoppositely positioned second wing distribution augers 148 and 149.

The dual second supply augers 140 and the second distribution auger 145are substantially similar to the first supply auger 10 and the firstdistribution auger 11 in construction, except as otherwise noted. Eachof the dual supply augers 140 has a respective connecting tube 151providing gravity flow communication between the second supply augersand the respective dual second central distribution augers 147, as seenin FIG. 7. Additionally, the dual second central distribution augers 147have separate motive means 12.

Also, the second auger system does not include recycling means 20,although it is contemplated that recycling means 20 could be utilizedwith a second auger system.

Furthermore, it is contemplated that the first supply and distributionauger arrangement could be made in a similar dual manner to that of thesecond supply and distribution auger arrangement. In that case, therecycling means 20 would not be utilized with the first supply anddistribution auger arrangement. The flow patterns associated with thisconfiguration are shown in FIG. 13.

It is also envisioned that multiple outer wing frame sections, withconcomitant planting and distributing and return auger structure, couldbe utilized. Thus, two (or more) wing frame sections can be used oneither side of the central drill box 43 to increase the coverage of theplanting system by increasing the width of the implement 1.

The second distribution auger 145 includes the control means 22 forsensing an accumulation of excess material in the second bins 67 of thedrill boxes. The control means 22 is connected to the motive means 12and has a sensor 154, such as a trip arm 155, that senses anaccumulation of excess material at outer ends 106 of the wing sectiondrill boxes 46 and 47. The trip arm 155 is connected to a control switch156 which in turn is connected to the motive means 12 for deactuatingthe motive means 12 that drive the second supply auger 140 and thesecond distribution auger 145. Specifically, a clutch (not shown), suchas an electric clutch, associated with the motive means 12 is disengagedupon tripping of the sensor 154.

As seen in FIG. 5, the supply hopper openings 37 and 38 are equippedwith movable gates 160 which control the amount of material releasedfrom the first and second compartments 31 and 32. The movable gates 160are actuated by an adjusting screw 161 which is held in place byappropriate support members 162.

The movtive means 12 may include a hydraulic motor system, an electricalmotor system, or simple mechanical gearing connections between thewheels and the various augers. It is desirable, however, to key therotation of the augers relative to the ground speed of the implement andassociated prime mover. A series of reduction gears 165 is shown in FIG.2. Such gears 165 may be used with a hydraulic motor or various chainarrangements to drive the augers at a speed of rotation that is relativeto the ground speed. The motive means further include gears and chains,as illustrated in FIG. 7.

The pivot means 18 include the universal joints 110 described above,which allow upward and downward movement of the distribution augers. Thepivot means 18 permit folding of the wing frame sections 26 and 27relative to the center frame section 16, as shown in FIG. 3. The pivotmeans also permit certain play, or oscillation, between the center framesection 16 and the wing frame sections 26 and 27. A respective spacerplate 169 is connected to each of the outer ends of the center framesection 16 and to each of the central drill box outer ends 95 and 96. Aswing plate 171 is held between the spacer plate 169 and the respectivecentral drill box outer end 95 and 96. The spacer plate allowsoscillation of the swing plate 171, while restraining outward movementthereof. Each swing plate 171 has a pair of hinge plates 173 connectedthereto and extending outwardly therefrom and through an opening 174 inthe spacer plate 169. Corresponding hinge plates 176 are attached to thewing frame sections 26 and 27. Respective central hinge plates 173 andwing hinge plates 176 are connected by hinge pins 178 which allowrotational movement, or folding, between the center frame section 16 andthe wing frame sections 26 and 27. Conventional hydraulic rams 180 areprovided to actuate the folding operation. The various augers extendthrough the spacer plate opening 174.

The broadcast hopper 8 and associated frame structure, are rotatedupwardly out of ground engagement by conventional hydraulic rams (notshown) for transport. As seen in FIG. 4, the first and second supplyaugers 10 and 140, as well as the supply recycling auger 127 have rubberhose 87 connections which allow the rotation discussed above.

A plurality of baffle plates 183 are situated in the wing section drillboxes 46 and 47. The baffle plates 183 inhibit shifting of the first andsecond materials, such as seed, fertilizer or the like, during thefolding operation.

The drill implement 1 is constructed to be connected to a conventionalcultivator apparatus 190 having a plurality of ground engaging tools,such as coil tines 191. The cultivator apparatus 190 is connected to thetow bar 3 and is positioned forwardly of the planter means 13 fortilling the ground prior to planting. However, the drill implement 1 isoperable without the cultivator 190 in combination therewith.

In use, the foldable drill implement 1 is connected by the tow bar 3 toa prime mover, which is not shown. As illustrated, a relatively largequantity of seed grain is placed in the supply hopper first compartment31, upon temporary removal of the supply hopper cover 40. Fertilizer isplaced in the second compartment 32. The seed flows, by gravity flow,through the first compartment opening 37 and past the regulating movablegate 160 into the supply tube 80 for rearward transfer by the firstsupply auger 10. The direction of travel is shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 6.The seed drops from the first supply auger 10 through the connectingtubes 88 into the delivery tube 90 containing the first distributionauger 11. The seed is transferred laterally through the delivery tube 90with portions of the seed dropping into the first bins 66 and 101 forsubsequent planting through the planter means 13.

As illustrated, the fertilizer flows, by gravity flow, from the secondcompartment 32 through the opening 38 past the movable gates 160. Thefertilizer drops into the dual second supply augers 140 with associatedsupply tubes 80 for transfer rearwardly to the center frame section 16.The fertilizer flows through connecting tubes 151 into the respectivesecond distribution augers 145. The fertilizer drops through the seriesof openings in the distribution augers tubes into the second bin 67associated with the central drill box 43 and wing section drill boxes 46and 47. The fertilizer is then fed into the material tubes 70 past themetering wheel 58 for deposition into the ground.

The supply augers and distribution augers are regulated by the motivemeans 12 and the movable gates 160 to maintain a desired level of fillwithin the respective seed and fertilizer bins. In practice, a 15%excess of seed and fertilizer has been found to be desirable. Thismaintained fill level provides for generally constant weight to beapplied to the planter means 13. Thus, a constant planting depth isobtained.

However, it is possible for the excess material to accumulate at theouter ends of the wing section drill boxes because the movable gates 160provide only rough control of the flow, to within about 1 percent. Thisaccumulated excess material can present problems such as cracking of theseed and clumping of the fertilizer and jamming or breaking of theaugers due to the increased load. The recycling means 20 and controlmeans 22 serve to alleviate the problems associated with accumulatedexcess material.

The recycling pick up arrangement receives excess seed at the outer ends106 of the wing section drill boxes 46 and 47 once the level of fillreaches the opening 125 in the wing return tube 122.

The flow pattern of the excess seed is shown in FIG. 6. The excess seedtravels within the return tubes 122 to the central drill box 43 andflows into the supply recycling auger through the recycling drop tubes132, FIG. 10. The seed then flows forwardly toward the supply hopper 7and is raised to an elevated position as seen in FIG. 4, prior todischarge through the redistribution drop tube 133 into the supply tube80 of the first supply auger 10. The seed is deposited in the supplytube 80 at a position forward of the juncture 85 between the firstcompartment 31 and the first supply auger 10. Thus, a certain amount ofseed is already within the supply tube 80 when seed is flowing from thefirst compartment 31. A corresponding lesser amount of seed will flowfrom the first compartment 31 due to the presence of this redistributionseed, thereby conserving seed.

The control means 22, including the sensor 154, such as trip arm 155,and control switch 156, provides fine control over the amount of excessmaterial in the drill boxes. Whereas the movable gates provide onlyrough control of the flow, the control means deactuates the supply anddistribution augers so that no material flows until the accumulatedexcess material is depleted by planting. This system maintains to aclose degree the right amount of grain or fertilizer being fed into thedrill boxes. The combination of the control means and the movable gatesgives the operator/farmer fine control over the planting operation.

As shown in FIG. 3, the wing frame sections 26 and 27 may be foldedupwardly for transport. The baffle plates 183 act to inhibit all of theseed or fertilizer from moving downwardly during transportation.

It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present inventionhave been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited tothe specific forms or arrangement of parts described and shown.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is asfollows:
 1. A foldable drill implement comprising:(a) an implement framehaving a tow bar for connection to a prime mover and a plurality ofground-engaging wheels for movable support over the ground in a firstdirection; (b) a supply hopper mounted to said frame; (c) a broadcasthopper mounted to said frame and spaced from said supply hopper, andextending generally transversely to said first direction; (d) saidimplement frame having a center frame section and a plurality of wingframe sections oppositely positioned adjacent said center frame sectionand having ground-engaging wheels for support, said center frame sectionincluding pivot means connecting said wing frame sections to oppositeends of said center frame section for folding; (e) said broadcast hopperincluding a central drill box mounted on said center frame section; (f)said broadcast hopper including a plurality of wing section drill boxesmounted on a respective said wing frame section and extending generallylongitudinally of said central drill box and in flow communicationtherewith, each of said wing section drill boxes having outer ends; (g)a plurality of planter means supported by said frame and disposed alongsaid broadcast hopper, said broadcast hopper being in flow communicationwith said planter means for broadcast of said material in the groundupon operational movement of said implement frame; and (h) a firstsupply auger supported by said frame and extending generally in saidfirst direction, said first supply auger being connected to said supplyhopper and to said broadcast hopper and being in flow communicationtherebetween; (i) a first distribution auger supported by said frame andextending generally transversely to said first directon along saidbroadcast hopper, said first distribution auger being in flowcommunication with said first supply auger and adapted to transfermaterial from said supply auger to said central and wing drill boxes ofsaid broadcast hopper; (j) motive means connected to and driving saidfirst supply auger and said first distribution auger; (k) control meansat said wing section drill box outer ends and sensitive to the presenceof excess material delivered by respective said wing distributionaugers, said control means being adapted to deactuate said first supplyauger upon said presence of said excess material.
 2. The drill implementas set forth in claim 1 including:(a) said first distribution augerhaving right and left hand opposed flighting portions for transportingmaterial outwardly from a middle portion of said broadcast hopper; and(b) said first distribution auger extending through a delivery tube; (c)said delivery tube having a series of openings therethrough for passageof the material into said wing section drill boxes.
 3. A drill implementcomprising:(a) an implement frame having a plurality of ground-engagingwheels for movable support over the ground in a first direction; (b) asupply hopper associated with said frame; (c) a broadcast hopperassociated with said frame and spaced from said supply hopper, saidbroadcast hopper extending generally transversely to said firstdirection and having an outer end remote from said first supply auger;(d) a first supply auger supported by said frame and extending generallyhorizontally in said first direction, said first supply auger beingconnected to said supply hopper and to said broadcast hopper and beingin flow communication therebetween; (e) a first distribution augersupported by said frame and extending generally horizontally andtransversely to said first direction along said broadcast hopper, saidfirst distribution auger being in flow communication with said firstsupply auger and adapted to transfer material from said supply auger tosaid broadcast hopper; (f) motive means connected to and driving saidfirst supply auger and said first distribution auger; (g) a plurality ofplanter means supported by said frame and disposed along said broadcasthopper, said broadcast hopper being in flow communication with saidplanter means for broadcast of said material in the ground uponoperational movement of said implement frame; and (h) control means atsaid broadcast hopper outer end and sensitive to the presence of excessmaterial delivered by said first distribution auger to said outer end,said control means being adapted to deactuate said first supply augerupon said presence of excess material and including:(1) a sensor forsensing an accumulation of excess material; and (2) a control switchconnected to said sensor and responsive to a sensed accumulation ofexcess material to deactuate said motive means.
 4. The drill implementset forth in claim 3 including:(a) a movable gate associated with thesupply hopper for regulating the amount of material flowing from saidsupply hopper to said first supply auger.
 5. The drill implement as setforth in claim 3 wherein:(a) said sensor is a trip arm swingablyconnected to said control switch and extending toward a bottom of saidbroadcast hopper to near said planter means associated with saidbroadcast hopper outer end.
 6. The drill implement as set forth in claim3 wherein:(a) said broadcast hopper has a central drill box and aplurality of wing drill boxes, at least one of said wing drill boxesbeing positioned at each end of said central drill box; (b) said supplyauger comprises dual supply augers positioned adjacent one another; saiddual supply augers being connected to said central drill box; (c) saiddistribution auger comprises dual distribution augers extending inopposite directions toward opposed said wing drill boxes; each of saiddual distribution augers being in flow communication with a respectivesupply auger; and (d) said control means include dual control means atouter ends of said opposed wing drill boxes; whereby a respectivecontrol means senses excess material in said respective wing drill boxand deactuates said respective dual supply auger.
 7. A drill implementcomprising:(a) an implement frame having a tow bar for connection to aprime mover and having a plurality of ground-engaging wheels forsupporting said implement frame; said implement frame having a centerframe section and wing frame sections oppositely positioned andconnected to said center frame section and extending generallytransversely to said center frame section; (b) a supply hopper mountedto said implement frame; (c) a broadcast hopper mounted to said frame,spaced from said supply hopper and extending generally transversely tosaid frame; (d) a first supply auger supported by said implement frame,extending generally longitudinally thereof and connecting said supplyhopper and said broadcast hopper, and situated in flow communicationtherewith; (e) a first distribution auger supported by said implementframe, extending generally transversely thereto and extending throughsaid broadcast hopper, and situated in flow communication with saidfirst supply auger for transferring material from said supply hopper tosaid broadcast hopper and maintaining a level of fill in said broadcasthopper; (f) each of said wing frame sections having a first wingdistribution auger mounted therein and extending the length thereof;said first wing distribution augers being operationally connected torespective opposite ends of said first distribution auger and situatedin flow communication therewith; (g) a plurality of planter meansdisposed tranversely to said implement frame, with said firstdistribution augers in flow communication with said planter means forbroadcast of said material over a field; said planter means notbroadcasting all of said material, and forming excess said materialtending to accumulate within said broadcast hopper; (h) recycling meanssupported by said implement frame and having a pick up arrangement forreceiving said excess material and duct means for transferring excessmaterial tending to accumulate near said first wing distribution augerstoward said first supply auger for redistribution; (i) motive meansconnected to said frame for driving said first supply auger, said firstdistribution auger and said recycling means; and (j) pivot meansextending between said center frame section and each of said wing framesections.
 8. The drill implement set forth in claim 7 wherein:(a) saidpivot means includes a universal joint foldably connecting each of saidfirst wing distribution augers to a respective opposite end of saidfirst distribution auger.
 9. The drill implement set forth in claim 7wherein:(a) said pivot means includes a pair of spacer platesrespectively attached to said center frame section and to adjacentopposite ends of said broadcast hopper; (b) a pair of swing plates areeach received between one of said spacer plates and said broadcasthopper opposite ends and having a plurality of hinge plates attachedthereto and extending toward said wing frame sections; and (c) each ofsaid wing frame sections has a plurality of hinge plates attachedthereto and extending toward said broadcast hopper; said wing sectionhinge plates being pivotably connected to said broadcast hopper platesby respective hinge pins.
 10. A drill implement comprising:(a) animplement frame having a tow bar for connection to a prime mover and aplurality of ground-engaging wheels for supporting said implement frame;(b) a supply hopper mounted to said frame; (c) a broadcast hoppermounted to said frame, spaced from said supply hopper and extendinggenerally transversely to said frame, said broadcast hopper having anouter end; (d) a first supply auger supported by said frame, extendinggenerally longitudinally of said frame and connecting said supply hopperand said broadcast hopper and situated in flow communication therewith;(e) a first distribution auger supported by said frame, extendinggenerally transversely thereto and extending through said broadcasthopper, and situated in flow communication with said first supply augerfor transferring material from said supply hopper to said broadcasthopper and maintaining a level of fill in said broadcast hopper; (f)motive means for driving said first supply auger and said firstdistribution auger; (g) a plurality of planter means connected to saidframe and disposed along said broadcast hopper, with said firstdistribution auger and said broadcast hopper in flow communication withsaid planter means for broadcast of said material; and (h) recyclingmeans for returning excess material that forms as said material tends toaccumulate at said broadcast hopper outer end and comprising:(1) abroadcast recycling auger extending beside said first distribution augerand situated in flow communication with an outer end of said firstdistribution auger; and (2) a supply recycling auger extending besidesaid first supply auger and between said broadcast hopper and saidsupply hopper, said supply recycling auger being mounted in flowcommunication with said broadcast recycling auger and said first supplyauger for returning said excess material from said first distributionauger outer end to said first supply auger for redistribution.
 11. Thedrill implement as set forth in claim 10 including:(a) said firstdistribution auger having right and left hand opposed flighting portionsfor transporting material outwardly from a middle portion of saidbroadcast hopper; and (b) a pair of connecting tubes for providinggravity flow communication between said first supply auger and saidfirst distribution auger at said broadcast hopper middle portion; one ofsaid connecting tubes providing flow communication to said right handflighting portion of said distribution auger and the other of saidconnecting tubes providing flow communication to said left handflighting portion of said distribution auger, whereby material suppliedto said distribution auger is substantially evenly distributed to saidright and left hand flighting portions.
 12. The drill implement as setforth in claim 11 wherein:(a) said first supply auger is laterallymovable to regulate the relative amount of material transferred fromsaid first supply auger to said respective connecting tubes.
 13. A drillimplement comprising:(a) an implement frame having a plurality ofground-engaging wheels for movable support over the ground in a firstdirection; said frame having a center frame section and a wing framesection; (b) a supply hopper mounted to said center frame section; (c) abroadcast hopper associated with said frame and spaced from said supplyhopper, said broadcast hopper extending generally transversely to saidfirst direction and including a central drill box mounted to said centerframe section and a wing drill box mounted to said wing frame section;(d) a first supply auger supported by said frame and extending generallyin said first direction, said first supply auger being connected to saidsupply hopper and to said broadcast hopper and being in flowcommunication therebetween; (e) a first distribution auger supported bysaid frame and extending generally transversely to said first directionalong said broadcast hopper, said first distribution auger being in flowcommunication with said first supply auger and adapted to transfermaterial from said supply auger to said broadcast hopper; (f) motivemeans connected to and driving said first supply auger and said firstdistribution auger; (g) a plurality of planter means supported by saidframe and disposed along said broadcast hopper, said broadcast hopperbeing in flow communication with said planter means for broadcast ofsaid material in the ground upon operational movement of said implementframe; and (h) said center frame including pivot means connecting saidcenter frame section to said wing frame section for folding; said pivotmeans comprising:(1) a spacer respectively attached to said center framesection and to an outer end of said broadcast hopper; (2) a swing platebeing received between said spacer plate and said broadcast hopper outerend and having a plurality of hinge plates attached thereto andextending toward said wing frame section; and (3) said wing framesection having a plurality of hinge plates attached thereto andextending toward said broadcast hopper; said wing section hinge platesbeing pivotably connected to said broadcast hopper hinge plates byrespective hinge pins.
 14. The drill implement set forth in claim 13wherein:(a) said broadcast hopper has an outer end remote from saidfirst supply auger; and including (b) control means at said outer endand sensitive to the presence of excess material delivered by said firstdistribution auger to said outer end, said control means being adaptedto deactuate said first supply auger upon said presence of excessmaterial.
 15. A drill implement comprising:(a) an implement frame havinga tow bar for connection to a prime mover and having a plurality ofground-engaging wheels for supporting said implement frame; (b) a supplyhopper mounted to said implement frame; (c) a broadcast hopper mountedto said frame, spaced from said supply hopper and extending generallytransversely to said frame; (d) a first supply auger supported by saidimplement frame, extending generally longitudinally thereof andconnecting said supply hopper and said broadcast hopper, and situated inflow communication therewith; said first supply auger having a firstend, a second end, and a juncture with said supply hopper, with saidjuncture positioned adjacent said first end; (e) a first distributionauger supported by said implement frame, extending generallytransversely thereto and extending through said broadcast hopper, andsituated in flow communication with said first supply auger adjacentsaid first supply auger second end for transferring material from saidsupply hopper to said broadcast hopper and maintaining a level of fillin said broadcast hopper; (f) a plurality of planter means disposedtransversely to said implement frame, with said first distribution augerin flow communication with said planter means for broadcast of saidmaterial over a field; said planter means not broadcasting all of saidmaterial, and forming excess said material tending to accumulate withinsaid broadcast hopper; (g) recycling means supported by said implementframe and having a pick up arrangement for receiving said excessmaterial and duct means for transferring said excess material towardsaid first supply auger for redistribution; said recycling meansincluding:(1) a broadcast recycling auger mounted within said broadcasthopper and situated in flow communication with said first distributionauger for receiving the excess material; and (2) a supply recyclingauger with a first end in flow communication with said broadcastrecycling auger for receiving said excess material and moving same, anda second end in flow communication with said first end of said firstsupply auger and mounted adjacent said juncture; and (h) motive meansconnected to said frame for driving said first supply auger, said firstdistribution auger and said recycling means.
 16. The drill implement setforth in claim 15 including:(a) a movable gate associated with thesupply hopper for regulating the amount of material flowing from saidsupply hopper to said first supply auger.
 17. The drill implement as setforth in claim 15 wherein:(a) said planter means include a plurality ofindividual furrow openers having ground-engaging tips with respectivematerial tubes routing material from said first distribution auger intothe ground; said furrow openers being respectively connected to saidimplement frame by biasing means for continuously urging said furrowopeners into ground engagement.
 18. The drill implement set forth inclaim 15 wherein:(a) said supply hopper has an outlet with a movablegate thereover; said gate being regulated in movement by an adjustmentscrew and thereby controlling flow of material therethrough.
 19. Thddrill implement set forth in claim 15 including:(a) a cultivatorapparatus having a plurality of ground-engaging tools mounted to saidimplement frame and positioned forwardly of said planter means fortilling the ground prior to deposit of the material.
 20. The drillimplement set forth in claim 15 wherein:(a) said broadcast recyclingauger extends through an auger return tube.
 21. The drill implement setforth in claim 20 wherein:(a) said first distribution auger extendsthrough a delivery tube having a series of openings therethrough forpassage of the material into said broadcast hopper; and (b) said firstdistribution delivery tube and said auger return tube have openings atrespective outer ends thereof for flow communication between said firstdistribution auger and said broadcast recycling auger.
 22. The drillimplement set forth in claim 15 wherein:(a) said supply hopper has afirst compartment for storing a first material and a second compartmentfor storing a second material; (b) said first supply auger extendsbetween said first compartment and said broadcast hopper fortransferring the first material therebetween; and including: (c) asecond supply auger supported by said frame, extending generallylongitudinally of said frame and extending between said secondcompartment and said broadcast hopper in flow communication therewithfor transferring the second material therebetween; (d) a seconddistribution auger supported by said frame, extending generallytransversely thereto and extending through said broadcast hopper in flowcommunication with said second supply auger for transferring the secondmaterial from said second compartment to said broadcast hopper; and (e)said planter means mounted in flow communication with said seconddistribution auger for broadcast of the second material over the field.23. The drill implement set forth in claim 22 wherein:(a) the firstmaterial is seed grain; and (b) the second material is fertilizer. 24.The drill implement set forth in claim 22 wherein:(a) said seconddistribution auger transfers excess and second material; (b) said seconddistribution auger includes control means connected to said motive meansand having a sensor for sensing an accumulation of excess said secondmaterial, and regulating said motive means to control the operation ofsaid second distribution auger in response to an accumulation of excesssaid second material.
 25. A foldable drill implement comprising:(a) animplement frame having a tow bar for connection to a prime mover and aplurality of ground-engaging wheels for movable support over the groundin a first direction; (b) a supply hopper mounted to said frame andhaving a first compartment for storing a first material and a secondcompartment for storing a second material; (c) a broadcast hoppermounted to said frame, spaced from said supply hopper and extendinggenerally transversely to said first direction; (d) said implement framehaving a center frame section and a plurality of wing frame sectionsoppositely positioned adjacent said center frame section and havingground-engaging wheels for support; (e) said broadcast hopper includinga central drill box mounted on said center frame section; (f) saidbroadcast hopper including a plurality of wing section drill boxesmounted on a respective said wing frame section and extending generallylongitudinally of said broadcast hopper and in flow communicationtherewith, each of said wing section drill boxes having outer ends; (g)a plurality of planter means connected to said center frame section andsaid wing frame sections and in flow communication with said broadcasthopper and said wing section drill boxes for broadcast of the first andsecond materials; each of said planter means including a furrow openerhaving a ground-engaging tip and respective material tubes for routingsaid first and second materials into the ground; each of said furrowopeners being respectively connected to said implement frame by biasingmeans for continuously urging said furrow openers into groundengagement; (h) a first supply auger supported by said frame, extendinggenerally longitudinally of said first direction and extending betweensaid first compartment and said broadcast hopper in flow communicationtherewith; (i) a first distribution auger supported by said frame,extending generally transversely to said first direction and extendinglengthwise through said broadcast hopper in flow communication with saidfirst supply auger for transferring the first material from said firstcompartment to said broadcast hopper and maintaining a level of filltherein; (j) a plurality of first wing distribution augers, each mountedin a respective wing frame section and extending the length thereof;each of said first wing distribution augers being connected torespective opposite ends of said first distribution auger in flowcommunication therewith; (k) pivot means connecting said center framesection and said wing frame sections and providing rotational foldingmovement therebetween; (l) motive means for driving said first supplyauger, said first distribution auger and each of said wing frame sectiondistribution augers; and (m) control means located at said wing sectiondrill box outer ends and sensitive to the presence of excess materialdelivered by respective said wing distribution augers, said controlmeans being adapted to deactuate said first supply auger upon saidpresence of said excess material.